Talk to Th3 Doc with Steve Meek

Steve "The Doctor" Meek
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Talk to Th3 Doc with Steve Meek is designed for executives seeking to learn from a balance of business and technology experts, focused on helping SMBs through practical, high-level insights. Hosted by Steve 'The Doctor' Meek, an experienced business owner and technology strategist, episodes break down complex topics in General Business, Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence and Technical Support, into clear, actionable conversations tailored for leadership decision-making. These include topics as varied as HR, the economy, leadership, culture and executive health. With a focus on real-world applications, business outcomes and real life, the show helps executives stay ahead of leadership challenges without needing to dive deep into the technical weeds. While we navigate the latest cybersecurity threats and strive to understand how AI can transform operations, Talk to Th3 Doc also delivers general business expert perspectives. Steve brings clarity to the fast-changing world of SMBs where many people wear multiple hats, featuring interviews with industry experts and sharing lessons learned from the field. Whether you're leading a small city or a business trying to expand, this podcast equips you with the knowledge you need to make smarter, more secure, and more strategic choices.

  1. 5D AGO

    From Data to Decisions: How AI Empowers Modern Leaders |With Tom Delanoy | Ep. 125

    Summary In today’s conversation, Tom Delanoy shows how modern leadership blends culture, clarity, transparency, and data. Long before AI tools improve efficiency, leaders must establish alignment, trust, and communication. This episode gives SMB and nonprofit leaders a simple roadmap for improving decision-making — by first strengthening the foundations of culture and people. Top 3 Takeaways 1. Culture is a strategic engine, not a perk. “Free donuts only go so far.” Intentional recognition and authentic connection drive retention and performance. 2. Balance your three stakeholders. Leaders must serve team, clients, and candidates — creating stability in relationships and delivery. 3. Hire proactively — not reactively. “Good companies should try to make space when they can.” Strategic talent decisions lead to better long-term outcomes. Key Quotes • “Good companies should try to make space when they can.” • “It’s a three-legged stool for us.” • “Free donuts only go so far.” • “Leadership is about transparency during tough seasons.” Episode Chapters 00:00 — Welcome 01:32 — Culture over perks 04:05 — Building meaningful engagement 07:40 — Leadership lessons from sports 09:52 — Strategic hiring during growth 12:21 — The Three-Legged Stool (people/clients/candidates) 14:50 — Transparency that builds trust 17:10 — Systems and customer experience 19:00 — Final takeaway Guest Bio Tom Delanoy, Partner & COO – Thomas Edwards Group Tom has led the operational and cultural strategy for one of Dallas’ top recruiting firms. With a background in accounting, leadership, and organizational development, Tom brings a grounded perspective on how transparency and culture enable better decision-making. 🔗 Website: https://thomasedwards.com 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomdelanoy Call to Action – Guest Tom invites leaders seeking hiring support or cultural alignment guidance to connect: 📧 tom@thomasedwards.com 📞 214-466-2620 🌐 https://thomasedwards.com Call to Action – Podcast If today’s conversation sparked ideas, subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. And if you want clarity in your IT strategy, cybersecurity posture, or AI readiness, connect with The Fulcrum Group → 👉 https://www.fulcrumgroup.net/talk-to-th3-doc-podcast/ 🔖 Suggested Hashtags #TalkToTh3Doc #LeadershipPodcast #DFWBusiness #AILeadership #ITStrategy #ManagedITServices #SMBLeadership #CultureAndLeadership #HiringStrategy #CybersecurityDFW #STARpowerFramework #SPOTManagedIT

    50 min

  2. DEC 3

    Facing the New Trust Crisis at Work?

    🩺 Reason for the Appointment A clear, human-centered conversation about the trust breakdown affecting today’s leaders. ⭐ Top Takeaway “We’re in a crisis of trust.” — Hanna Bauer Today’s leaders are “building the plane while flying it,” dealing with hybrid complexity, high expectations, and digital overwhelm. Trust is the first casualty. Compelling Question: If trust is declining across your organization, what hidden friction or fatigue might it be creating? Promise to the Listener: You’ll learn how trust impacts performance, how leaders can rebuild it, and how human-centered leadership transforms culture, communication, and technology adoption. You’ll also hear a surprising personal story from Hanna that reframes resilience and leadership presence. 👤 Guest Bio Hanna Bauer, Founder & CEO at HEARTnomics™ Enterprises Hanna Bauer is an award-winning leadership strategist known for helping organizations strengthen trust, alignment, and engagement. As the CEO of HEARTnomics™, she blends operational excellence with human-centered tools to help executives navigate change without burning out their people. A Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Maxwell Leadership Coach, and survivor of a pioneering heart procedure, she brings clarity, compassion, and data-driven insight to every conversation. 📊 Vitals (Statistics & Metrics) Key data referenced in this episode and why it matters: • 61% of employees report digital communication fatigue → Hybrid + tech overload reduces engagement and innovation. • Only 16% of organizations see sustainable results from digital transformation → Tools fail without culture readiness. • Organizations with strong alignment see 22% faster adoption of new tools → Trust speeds up ROI. • A well-run change management plan can return $6.50 for every $1 invested → Leadership clarity = financial performance. 🏥 Medical History (Summary) This episode centers on how trust is eroding inside today’s hybrid workplaces—and how leaders can restore clarity, connection, and meaning. Hanna shares practical tools that help executives drive cultural health and operational excellence. 🔎 Exam (Chapters & SEO-Optimized Topics) 00:00 — Introduction • Why trust is now the #1 leadership asset 01:33 — The Crisis of Trust • Identifying the early warning signs • How trust affects IT adoption, security, and culture 03:58 — Hybrid Work & Human Connection • The gap between communication and connection • Why digital convenience often undermines team belonging 04:21 — "The Tool Is for the Human" • Human-centered IT strategy • How STARPower aligns people, process, and tools 08:19 — Communication Overload • Email, Teams, chat, noise • How overload reduces creativity 20:47 — AI, Automation & Humanity • What machines can’t replace • The importance of meaning-making and empathy 31:04 — People Readiness • Preparing humans—not just systems—for change 37:47 — Six Sigma Meets Leadership • Process improvement for humans and systems Resources Mentioned • HEARTnomics Assessments – https://heartnomics.com/assessments • Hanna’s LinkedIn – https://linkedin.com/in/bauerhanna • HEARTnomics YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@heartnomics 📞 Guest CTA Connect directly with Hanna Bauer: 📧 hanna@heartnomics.com 📱 678-978-2356 🌐 https://heartnomics.com/assessments 🔗 https://linkedin.com/in/bauerhanna 🎧 Podcast CTA Subscribe on your favorite platform → 🎧 Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeartRadio | PocketCasts | Amazon Music Explore more episodes → 🌐 https://www.fulcrumgroup.net/talk-to-th3-doc-podcast/ Contact The Fulcrum Group: 📞 817-337-0300 🌐 https://www.fulcrumgroup.net 📧 sales@fulcrumgroup.net | thedoctor@fulcrumgroup.net 🔗 LinkedIn Business: The Fulcrum Group, Inc. 📺 YouTube: The Fulcrum Group YouTube 🐦 X: @TheFulcrumGroup 📘 Facebook: The Fulcrum Group, Inc. 📸 Instagram: TheFulcrumGroupInc

    52 min

  3. NOV 26

    Building Cyber-Ready Teams in 2025 | Dr. Mike Saylor | Episode 123

    Top Takeaway “Find a trusted advisor.” — Dr. Mike Saylor Cybersecurity maturity is built over time. Leaders who treat cyber as a trade — not a job title — will build stronger, safer teams. Guest Bio Dr. Mike Saylor is CEO of Blackswan Cybersecurity, Professor and Program Director at Weatherford College, and Healthcare Sector Chief for FBI InfraGard North Texas. He specializes in talent development, risk awareness, and practical cybersecurity leadership for SMBs and public-sector organizations. Vitals (Key Metrics) Less than half of businesses survive severe cyber incidents. Cyber roles are underfilled nationwide, especially in the DFW area. Experience outweighs credentials in preventing cyber failures. These metrics highlight why leaders cannot rely on hiring alone — they must invest in mentorship, structure, and partnership. Medical History (Summary) This episode breaks down why cybersecurity hiring is failing—and how leaders can build practical, sustainable cyber readiness through mentorship, strategy, and trusted partners. Exam (Detailed Episode Outline with Timestamps) (See timestamp list above; same list included for Apple/Spotify format.) Treatment Plan (Links Mentioned) Blackswan Cybersecurity: https://blackswan-cybersecurity.com/ NICE Workforce Framework Fulcrum Group IT Strategy & Cybersecurity Services: https://fulcrumgroup.net CTA – Guest 📧 Email: msaylor@blackswancybersecurity.com 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/misaylor/ Podcast CTA 🎧 Subscribe anywhere: https://pod.link/1807560282 🌐 Show page: https://www.fulcrumgroup.net/talk-to-th3-doc-podcast/ 🔍 TOP SEO HASHTAGS (20) #TalkToTh3Doc #CybersecurityDFW #CyberTalent #ManagedITDFW #CyberWorkforce #CyberReadiness #DFWBusiness #KellerTexas #RiskManagement #ITLeadership #STARpower #SPOTManagedIT #CyberStrategy #SMBLeadership #CyberSkills #CyberEducation #DFWTechnology #BusinessContinuity #CISv8 #LeadershipInsights

    1h 3m

  4. NOV 19

    AI, Authenticity & The New Marketing Playbook for SMB Leaders

    Is AI improving your business—or just adding noise? In Episode 122 of Talk To Th3 Doc, host Steve “The Doctor” Meek sits down with Borja Cuan, Co-Founder of Four15 Digital, to explore how AI, authenticity, and leadership collide in today’s SMB marketing world. If you're a business leader in DFW, this episode gives you the practical, people-focused roadmap for blending automation with human judgment—without losing trust, quality, or your culture. ⭐ GUEST Borja Cuan – Co-Founder, Four15 Digital 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/borjacuan 🌐 https://www.four15digital.com ⭐ TOP TAKEAWAY “Don’t rely on AI solely.” Your strategy needs humans, clarity, and leadership—not just algorithms. ⭐ WHY THIS EPISODE MATTERS AI is accelerating the speed of business, but the winners in 2025 will be the organizations who combine tech, empathy, and smart processes. This episode gives SMBs actionable insights to lead technology intentionally—not reactively. Perfect for SMB owners, nonprofit leaders, healthcare admins, and local government decision-makers across Keller, Tarrant County, and the greater DFW region. ⭐ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 — Opening and episode overview 02:53 — The state of digital advertising in 2025 05:57 — CAC, ROAS & what SMBs must measure 12:05 — Moving from tactics to strategy 18:04 — Budgeting for marketing that works 20:54 — Using AI responsibly in marketing 27:30 — “We can scale testing velocity.” 35:25 — How turnover impacts growth and culture 44:11 — Leadership lessons from agency life 53:51 — “Enjoy the journey, not just the destination.” ⭐ MENTIONED RESOURCES • The Advantage – Patrick Lencioni • Measure What Matters – John Doerr • The Pumpkin Plan – Mike Michalowicz • The Phoenix Project – Gene Kim • Fulcrum STARPower Framework → https://www.fulcrumgroup.net/starpower-framework/ ⭐ CALL TO ACTION (GUEST) Get a free audit of your digital marketing programs: 📧 podcasts@four15digital.com 🌐 https://www.four15digital.com ⭐ CALL TO ACTION (THE FULCRUM GROUP) 📅 Need an IT or cybersecurity strategy that supports your growth? Book your consultation → https://www.fulcrumgroup.net/talk-to-th3-doc-podcast/ 🎧 Subscribe for more insights: https://pod.link/1807560282 🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and follow our channel! ⭐ HASHTAGS (SEO Optimized) #TalkToTh3Doc #AIMarketing #AuthenticLeadership #DFWBusiness #ManagedITServicesDFW #CybersecurityDFW #DigitalStrategy #SMBLeadership #MarketingROI #STARPowerFramework #NoITJerks #FulcrumGroup #AIForBusiness #DataDrivenLeadership #TestingVelocity #BusinessCulture #ContinuousImprovement

    59 min

  5. NOV 17

    Why CMMC Matters: Protecting Data, Revenue & Reputation

    Cyber threats are rising, and new government mandates like CMMC are changing how small and mid-sized businesses, nonprofits, and local governments must protect sensitive data. In this episode, Steve “The Doctor” Meek sits down with Brian Guenther, CISSP & CCP, President of Exceed Cyber & Compliance, to explore how compliance builds trust, opens opportunity, and keeps organizations competitive. 💡 Top Takeaway “Adopt a risk-first mindset.” – Brian Guenther Compliance isn’t just paperwork—it’s protection. Brian reveals why leaders who treat compliance as a strategic investment outperform those who treat it as red tape. Listen in to learn: how CMMC helps organizations avoid misinformation, gain contract eligibility, and build customer trust—all without breaking the bank. 👤 Guest Bio Brian Guenther, CISSP & CCP, President at Exceed Cyber & Compliance. Brian leads a cybersecurity and compliance consultancy helping government contractors and regulated businesses meet frameworks such as CMMC, DFARS, SOC 2, ISO 27001, and FTC Safeguards. With 15 years of experience, he simplifies complex regulatory requirements into practical, cost-effective security strategies that align with business goals. ❤️ Vitals (Statistics & Metrics) • 300,000+ defense contractors must meet CMMC requirements (DoD source) → underscores the massive market impact. • Texas Cyber Command established ($345.2 M funding) → state-level push for stronger public sector cybersecurity. • TX-RAMP and SB 2610 Safe Harbor Law → Texas organizations gain legal protection if they meet recognized security standards. 🩹 Medical History (Summary) This episode demystifies CMMC and compliance, helping SMB leaders and public officials see cybersecurity as a business advantage instead of a burden. Brian and Steve discuss the real costs of inaction and how a risk-first approach builds trust, reduces risk, and fuels growth. 🔬 Exam (Description & Chapters) 00:00 – Introduction What CMMC is and why it matters to more than just defense contractors. 02:31 – Misconceptions About Compliance Why most leaders think it’s technical when it’s actually documentation and discipline. 07:35 – Hidden Risks Stories of supply-chain vulnerabilities and how a single weak link can compromise national security. 14:20 – Compliance Creates Opportunity How organizations gain contracts and partnerships through certification. 18:28 – Ongoing Maintenance Why compliance is a continuous cycle of improvement, not a one-time project. 22:08 – Texas Cyber Command & Safe Harbor Laws How state policies mirror federal compliance models. 25:38 – Why the DoD Created CMMC Real-world breaches and the national security wake-up call. 34:12 – CIS Controls & Implementation Groups Roadmap for SMBs to start small and scale securely. 41:09 – Strategic Weight of Compliance Certification as a business requirement and competitive edge. 58:30 – Final Prescription “Get with a real CMMC doctor.” 💊 Treatment Plan (Resources & Links Mentioned) • Exceed Cyber & Compliance – CMMC and risk management services • CMMC Model Overview – U.S. DoD • Exceed Cyber Blog: Managed Compliance & CMMC • Related Talk To Th3 Doc Episodes: o Turning IT into Business Outcomes with Luis Giraldo – Ep. 116 o Hidden Risks & Blind Spots in Your IT Strategy 📞 Call to Action – Guest Connect with Brian Guenther for CMMC guidance and compliance readiness: 📧 brian@exceedcyber.io 🌐 www.exceedcyber.io 🔗 LinkedIn 📞 240-377-0504 💬 Podcast Call to Action 💻 Visit our podcast hub to book your consultation or explore past episodes: https://www.fulcrumgroup.net/talk-to-th3-doc-podcast/ 🎧 Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeartRadio | PocketCasts | Amazon Music 🌐 Explore More Episodes: Talk To Th3 Doc Podcast | The Fulcrum Group, Inc. 📩 Email Steve: thedoctor@fulcrumgroup.net 🔗 Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevemeekcissp/

    53 min

  6. NOV 12

    Leading Cybersecurity With Confidence

    💡 Top Takeaway “Are we taking risk?” — Andrew Morgan Every business takes risk. The confident ones measure it. In this episode, discover how to transform compliance and culture into competitive advantage through intentional leadership. Promise: You’ll walk away knowing how to evaluate risk tolerance, prioritize cybersecurity investments, and align technology to your business strategy. 👤 Guest Bio Andrew Morgan, Founder of Right of Boom and Host of The CyberCall, is a longtime cybersecurity advocate helping IT service providers and business leaders build stronger, safer organizations through proactive leadership and accountability. ⚙️ Vitals (Key Metrics) 68% of SMBs suffered a cyber incident last year — leadership readiness remains the weakest link. 92% of breaches involve human error or misconfiguration. Every hour spent in proactive security exercises can save 40 hours in downtime during an incident. 🩹 Medical History (Episode Summary) Andrew Morgan joins Steve “The Doctor” Meek to diagnose one of the most common business blind spots — leadership disengagement from cybersecurity. Together, they outline practical steps for SMBs to build confidence through awareness, accountability, and AI readiness. 🔍 Exam (Detailed Description) Episode Chapters & Highlights 00:00 — Welcome & introduction to Andrew Morgan and Right of Boom 03:09 — “Are we taking risk?” — framing risk as a leadership responsibility 14:45 — “Compliance rolls downhill” — the executive’s role in governance 20:35 — Building a security-first culture with STARPower principles 26:46 — Tabletop testing and practical cybersecurity drills 47:59 — Budgeting for preparedness in DFW businesses 01:01:09 — “AI is right all the rage” — understanding the dual role of AI in cybersecurity 01:03:27 — Key takeaway: be intentional, not reactive 💊 Treatment Plan (Resources & Mentions) Right of Boom Podcast & Conference The CyberCall Community Fulcrum Group Cyber Risk Report Related Episodes: Ep.116 – Turning IT Into Business Outcomes w/ Luis Giraldo Ep.117 – The Leadership Mindset for Growth w/ Mark McIntosh 📞 Guest Call to Action (CTA) Andrew invites leaders to join The CyberCall community and start weekly conversations that turn risk into readiness. 🔗 https://thecybercall.com

    1h 4m

  7. NOV 5

    Zero Trust Inboxes

    Guest: David Setzer, Founder & CEO at Mailprotector Episode: Talk To Th3 Doc — Ep. 120 Why it matters: Email fuels your business—and it’s also the top lane for Business Email Compromise (BEC) and ransomware. In this episode we make Zero Trust for the inbox simple and usable for SMBs, local government, and nonprofits. What you’ll learn Why “90% of cyber attacks use email” should change how you approve invoices and vendor changes How Zero Trust shows up in Microsoft 365 (MFA, Conditional Access, DMARC, least-privilege) A calm, first-hour response plan that stops wire fraud and account takeover Timestamps 00:00 Welcome & stakes for SMB leaders 03:10 The “crazy ex-spouse” inbox analogy (memorable risk frame) 04:35 The stat: 90% of attacks use email 14:25 Zero Trust for email—what it means in practice 23:05 BEC & invoice fraud: how the scam actually unfolds 27:24 “We have to change the economics” of attacks 31:50 Why this is easier now (tools + process) 56:50 Building a smart stack (M365 + specialized controls) & takeaways Connect with David: https://mailprotector.com Subscribe & listen to all episodes: https://www.fulcrumgroup.net/talk-to-th3-doc-podcast/ | Podcast feed: https://pod.link/1807560282 Work with The Fulcrum Group (DFW): Want a quick Inbox Health Check (DMARC/MFA/risky forwards) or a First-Hour Runbook you can follow under pressure? We’ll do it the No IT Jerks way—clear, practical, and business-first. 👍 Subscribe, leave a comment, and share with another leader. Keywords: Zero Trust email, BEC prevention, ransomware, Microsoft 365 security, DMARC, MFA, inbox security, SMB cybersecurity, DFW MSP, invoice fraud, phishing defense

    56 min

  8. OCT 22

    AI Resumes, LinkedIn & the Cost of Vacancy

    🎧 In Episode 118 of Talk To Th3 Doc, host Steve “The Doctor” Meek sits down with staffing strategist James Bier to tackle one of the biggest challenges facing today’s SMB leaders — the 42-day hiring drag and the hidden costs that come with it. From AI-generated resumes that blur candidate quality to LinkedIn networking that opens new recruiting pipelines, this episode unpacks how proactive hiring strategies can help SMBs stay competitive, protect productivity, and strengthen culture. 💬 Top Takeaway: “Proactive hiring strategies are essential.” – James Bier If your organization struggles with staffing gaps or slow recruiting processes, this conversation will help you rethink how to find and retain great people before vacancy costs start adding up. ⏱️ Timestamps & Key Highlights: 00:00 – Intro: Why hiring delays cost more than you think 02:54 – The current state of staffing and recruitment 05:48 – How SMBs can build proactive hiring pipelines 09:03 – Leveraging LinkedIn for talent networking 14:56 – Why job postings alone don’t work 17:46 – AI-generated resumes: benefit or barrier? 20:46 – The hidden cost of vacancy and productivity loss 26:59 – Career growth and employee retention strategies 37:20 – Remote vs. in-office: the modern workforce balance 56:17 – Interviewing for coachability and long-term fit 💼 Guest Bio: James Bier is a staffing and recruitment strategist who helps organizations transform how they hire and retain talent. With over two decades of experience in staffing and workforce solutions, James has worked with leaders to build scalable recruitment strategies, strengthen culture, and improve overall productivity. 🔗 Connect with James on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesbier/ 🌟 Why This Matters for SMBs It takes an average of 42 days to fill a key role — and the cost of vacancy can exceed $30,000 in lost productivity. AI resumes are reshaping the hiring landscape — but not always for the better. LinkedIn networking and proactive recruiting outperform job boards in both quality and speed. SMB leaders must treat hiring like business development — build relationships before they’re needed. 🚀 About This Episode This episode dives deep into the intersection of technology, staffing, and leadership—and how small to mid-sized businesses can apply Fulcrum’s proactive mindset to their hiring and operations. At The Fulcrum Group, we help DFW organizations align their technology with business goals through SPOT Managed IT Services and the STARPower framework—a proactive, strategic approach to IT and process improvement. Just like in staffing, our philosophy is simple: Don’t wait for something to break to start fixing it. 🔗 Links & Resources 🎧 Listen to more episodes: https://www.fulcrumgroup.net/talk-to-th3-doc-podcast/ 📺 Watch the full playlist: Talk To Th3 Doc YouTube Playlist 📩 Subscribe for updates: https://pod.link/1807560282 💼 Connect with Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevemeekcissp/ 🔑 Suggested Hashtags: #TalkToTh3Doc #DFWBusiness #ManagedITServices #StaffingChallenges #HiringDelays #AIResumes #LinkedInRecruiting #CostOfVacancy #SMBLeadership #RecruitmentStrategy #FulcrumGroup #NoITJerks #ITLeadership #SMBTech #TechnologyStrategy

    1 hr
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About

Talk to Th3 Doc with Steve Meek is designed for executives seeking to learn from a balance of business and technology experts, focused on helping SMBs through practical, high-level insights. Hosted by Steve 'The Doctor' Meek, an experienced business owner and technology strategist, episodes break down complex topics in General Business, Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence and Technical Support, into clear, actionable conversations tailored for leadership decision-making. These include topics as varied as HR, the economy, leadership, culture and executive health. With a focus on real-world applications, business outcomes and real life, the show helps executives stay ahead of leadership challenges without needing to dive deep into the technical weeds. While we navigate the latest cybersecurity threats and strive to understand how AI can transform operations, Talk to Th3 Doc also delivers general business expert perspectives. Steve brings clarity to the fast-changing world of SMBs where many people wear multiple hats, featuring interviews with industry experts and sharing lessons learned from the field. Whether you're leading a small city or a business trying to expand, this podcast equips you with the knowledge you need to make smarter, more secure, and more strategic choices.

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  • Creator
    Steve "The Doctor" Meek
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    25
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  • Copyright
    © 2025 All Rights Reserved By Steve Meek